Location: Manchester
Top Restaurants in Manchester
Top 10 restaurants in Manchester, United States
A bustling urban center in quiet New England, Manchester, New Hampshire combines history, industry and business. The Amoskeag Millyard is home to The Millyard Museum, which tracks the history of what is now Manchester back 11,000 years. The Currier Museum of Art focuses on paintings by big names like Picasso and O'Keeffe. Head to the nearby town of Merrimack and visit the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where guests can taste seasonal beers and see the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses.
Things to do in Manchester
1. Hanover Street Chophouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 448 reviews
We are committed to serving food that will be creative, yet “classic,” service that will be impeccable but not intimidating, in an ambiance that will be elegant, yet comfortable and inviting, ensuring a dining experience that will be extraordinary and memorable!
Reviewed By MrNeverHome - Bedford, New Hampshire
Manchester is certainly seeing an influx of great restaurants lately. Lots of venues are bringing creative menus that you would come to expect of a bigger city like Boston. That being said, the Chophouse feels more like an established, classic institution that has been around forever (even though it’s fairly new).
The staff were the caliber you would expect from a high end restaurant. Knowledgeable, professional but not pretentious. They make for a great experience.
The menu was very good and large enough to satisfy almost anyone. The specials were thoughtfully prepared using local ingredients that were seasonally appropriate.
Seating is good with most having a view in to the open kitchen. Quiet booths and a private dining area are available if you want more privacy. Our table was probably the worst as it was right by the front door but it was still pleasant and didn’t ruin the night at all.
When making the reservation they inquired if it was a special occasion and I remarked that it was my wife’s birthday. When we arrived, they had flowers, a nice card and a candle lit dessert at the end.
Valet parking is the best option as the parking lot is a bit small. Dress code is fairly casual. Most men had a coat and tie or coat but I think some guests looked just as comfortable in jeans/business casual.
All in all, the Chophouse is probably the place to have a more “high end” dining experience in Manchester. Excellent experience.
2. Republic Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Republic is a European style cafe serving lunch and dinner 7 days and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday with locally roasted coffee and a full bar.
Reviewed By Joe W - Boston, Massachusetts
The restaurant is centrally located on Elm Street. We did have to circle the block for parking on a Sunday evening. Met another couple there for drinks and dinner.
Small cafe with a very nice bar for drinks. Martinis and on tap beers. Bartender was attentive. Drink prices very reasonable. The restaurant was very quiet, fortunately as they do not take reservations for parties less than 5. We were sat at one of the booth tables. The waiter was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful with making choices from the menu. Steak frites were excellent and uniquely seasoned with fried capers. Eggplant special dish was a bit over cooked and the Turkish chicken was fine. Chocolate cake was very good.
All around a good meal and reasonable pricing. We were not rushed, which was very nice.
Certainly worth the try.
3. Cotton
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 622 reviews
Cotton features the cooking of multiple award-winning Chef/Author/Owner Jeffrey Paige. Located in Manchester, New Hampshire’s historic millyard district, Cotton is known for exceptional farm to table comfort food, friendly yet professional service and an inviting, casual upscale atmosphere. It’s the place the New York Times calls “hip”. Both a classic neighborhood restaurant, named “One of the ten best neighborhood restaurants in the Northeast” by Bon Appetit Magazine, and a destination for diners throughout central New England, Cotton features classic American and worldly comfort food, an extensive wine list featuring over 40 wines by the glass and holds the distinct honor of “Best Martinis in New Hampshire” by New Hampshire Magazine year after year after year. Reservationrecommended on Friday and Saturday evenings. Visit us on
Reviewed By pluto1075 - New Hampshire
Went here for dinner for my husbands birthday. Definitely get a reservation. The place isn't huge and it is very busy. First off we loved the atmosphere. We had a great table. I got a martini but it was very strong, not my cup of tea. Hubby had a Bloody Mary and a Mint Mule. According to him both were ok, run of the mill, nothing special. Ok drinks aside, the food!!! It was amazing!! We indulged and enjoyed every bite. Asian Dumpling and Crab Cake appetizers, best we ever had. He had Delmonico and I have a Lobster/pasta special. So extremely good. We took home half and were so thrilled to enjoy it all over again for lunch the next day. For dessert we split a raspberry creme brulee, it was to die for. We look forward to another kid free night to go enjoy a very scrumptious, adult evening again!
4. Mr. Mac's Macaroni and Cheese
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
We do 1 thing, Macaroni & Cheese, and we do it right! Over 25 varieties made to order, or create your own. Named "Best OF NH" by New Hampshire Magazine. Named "The Meal Worth Driving To" by Phantom Gourmet. Take exit 9S 1 mile off I-93. Dine-in, to-Go, or "take-n-bake". Multi-grain and Gluten-free avaiable.
Reviewed By sungtongss - Dallas, Texas
Tons of options! Staff was really nice and explained how everything worked to us. I got the carbonara and oooh boy! It was so damn good! I got the small and it was a really generous portion. Get the medium for some leftovers though cause you'll be wanting more of this. Wish this was in Texas!
5. KC's Rib Shack
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 566 reviews
Welcome to KC's Rib Shack Barbecue restaurant. New Hampshire's favorite BBQ for close to two decades. At KC's Rib Shack, serving the world's finest hickory-smoked ribs and BBQ is our passion. Our food and exceptional service are definitely two things we take seriously. No white tablecloths here, you'll sit at butcher paper covered tables under the Christmas lights and pull from a roll of paper towels to wipe our homemade BBQ sauces from your face. Our Southern style Barbeque, Bar-B-Que, Bar-B-Cue, just Q, or however you spell it, is seasoned with our own recipe of different dry rubs and cooked without sauce. Its then cut to order and prepared straight from our smokers which run 24 hours a day...
Reviewed By WebsterFoodie - Worcester, Massachusetts
Went tonight with family. Place doesn't look like much but that's where you usually find the best food. Very true in this case. Ribs are the best I have come across ever !!!! 4 sauces, pulled pork and great cornbread. When in Manchester gotta go again. PS Still burping 2 hours later. YUM !!!
6. Hooked Seafood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
We have been chosen by Union Leader as the Readers Choice for Best Seafood in Manchester! Thank you Readers! People love our Seafood Cioppino, and our Seafood chowder, and Fish tacos are the best around! We would love to meet you, come by and see us!
Reviewed By aksasquatch - Anchorage, Alaska
Went here a few weeks ago with my son and his wife. All agreed; food was fantastic!
I had a cup of their seafood chowder and it was delicious. Followed with a lobster ravioli which was even better. Other couldn't say enough about their meals. Just fantastic! A little pricy but worth it!
7. Puritan Backroom
Overall Ratings
4 based on 719 reviews
Reviewed By Ann B - Salem, New Hampshire
Had a great dinner with friends... nice hot pita bread, delicious dinners: fried haddock, their famous chicken tenders, lobster pie and lamb kabobs. And one friend inquired about Gluten Free and the Backroom has a large GF menu. Dinners came with Greek salads with the restaurants homemade Greek dressing. Delicious! Family friendly and a well known, beloved institution in Manchester!
8. Firefly American Bistro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 306 reviews
Firefly American Bistro & Bar is a casually upscale American bistro situated in the heart of Manchester"s downtown district. Firefly embraces the concept of comfort dining by offering inspired classic American fare in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Firefly's extensive wine list, craft beer selections, and creative cocktails compliment the time-honored yet innovative creations of Chef David Becker's seasonal menus, which burst with flavors from around the world. The uptown atmosphere is accentuated by downtown hospitality and friendly, professional service.
Reviewed By Wendy K - Boston, Massachusetts
I am so glad my son moved to Manchester. There are so many good restaurants to experience but I have to say, Firefly is the best!! The food was excellent, everyone enjoyed their choices. The service was great without being obvious, The atmosphere was welcoming, the staff were friendly. We will be back.
9. La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 300 reviews
Reviewed By scooper0711 - Manchester, New Hampshire
This is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner. It is never too packed or noisy. They occasionally have bands that will play. The chips are never stale and are not overloaded with salt. Get the Steak Grande Burrito, its HUGE and will definitely give you some leftovers.
10. Red Arrow Diner
Overall Ratings
4 based on 549 reviews
Reviewed By Ginny S - Cornville, Arizona
Was visiting family in Manchester N.H. and someone suggested red arrow diner. Yummy Food! Red Arrow is such an iconic place, I hope it is around forever.
